Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has framed the conflict in simple terms for Gulf leaders: either side with their neighbours by refusing to host enemy operations, or continue to suffer the consequences. This message, delivered over a month into the Iran-US war, is one of the most direct challenges Tehran has issued to Gulf governments. The statement reflects both the depth of Iran’s frustration and its determination to reshape regional dynamics through diplomacy.
Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have become entangled in the conflict through the US military presence embedded in their territories. Washington has used these facilities to strike Iran, prompting retaliatory Iranian attacks on the host nations themselves. The resulting insecurity has made Gulf governments increasingly uncomfortable with the costs of their alliance with the United States.
Pezeshkian’s post on X laid out Iran’s dual message clearly: Tehran will not initiate attacks, but will retaliate with full force against any damage to its infrastructure or economic centres. He appealed to Gulf leaders to act in their own interest by denying enemy forces the ability to orchestrate the war from their land, framing this as the only genuine path to development and security. The appeal was designed to be heard by both governments and their populations.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been at the forefront of regional peace diplomacy, maintaining close communication with Iranian leadership and other key actors. Sharif’s meeting with Pezeshkian revealed that Iran requires a foundation of trust before any formal negotiations can take place. Pakistan’s mediation has received public recognition from Tehran, underscoring Islamabad’s growing role in the regional peace effort.
Pakistan is hosting a multilateral diplomatic summit attended by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Their meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif are aimed at creating a coordinated regional approach to the conflict. The scale and ambition of the summit reflect the urgency with which regional actors are approaching the need for a political resolution.